Biggest Misconceptions Non Skiers Have About Skiers

[noski]

Originally Posted by tjf67

The cold weather for sure. They think I am crazy going out when it is below 15. What I cant believe is if you live in thenortheast and dont have an activity that involves the cold weather why the heck would you live here. Sitting in the house or roaming the malls for 5 months a year is a waste of half a life.

I ask that of myself each year I get older. As a kid we did alot of ice skating, hocky, sledding and snowmobiling. Skiing was never on the radar and I grew up in VT, 4th generation. No one in our family skiied. I didn't even really know anyone who skied- and that is the truth.

Now I work, and spend winters doing inside projects (remodeling, painting, cooking/baking etc) and shoveling. Lots of shoveling. Sprinkle in a little snowmobiling when conditions allow. What makes winter worthwhile to me is the transition to Spring. I don't mean that with any disrespect- I just love the wide swings of Vermont seasons.

[billski]

Originally Posted by deadheadskier

So when half the population looks at the sport and realizes that they have to give up a weeks pay just to get the cheapest possible equipment and clothing out there before they even set foot on the slopes,

Excellent points. So let's knock off dumping on gaper clothing and gear - they're not clueless, just trying desparately to get into a sport they can ill-afford.

Even if they get cheap tix, the gear setup is hugely expensive for most people, it's a sport where most people don't know good gear from bad, it's actually used very little by most (where's the ROI? so they think) 400-500$ can be the cost of their summer vacation. Rentals ain't cheap and neither is the gas to get to and fro. The only way to really cut the costs is to go in with groups, and even that requires early commitments. Even then, you need to set aside an entire weekend day for the activity is difficult for all but the most passionate skier/boarders (look in the mirror please) to justify. Most people's weekends are filled with commitments of things they couldn't get done during the week - cleaning, fixing, attending functions, getting supplies, etcetera. And then there are young families, who sire the largest skiing populace - most can ill afford the time or expense. I think the notion that skiing is exclusive, is well-deserved.

[billski]

Originally Posted by snowmonster

That all skiers are tall, skinny and blonde.

...then there are hobbits like me.=)

and are named Sven. Or that Europeans with heavy accents are the most skilled.

[billski]

Originally Posted by highpeaksdrifter

I wonder what the median age is?

I have to admit I believe that a lot of people who skied when they where young stop for various reasons as they get older.

As a group, the median age is somewhere in the 30's, depending how you count. Median statistics can be deceptive in this scenario. Many people pull out of the sport due career and family in their late 20s. They return to the sport in their late 30's. There is a precipitous drop off in women skiers beyond age 40. Majority of folks bail out in their 60's.

[billski]

Originally Posted by noski

I ask that of myself each year I get older....

Now I work, and spend winters doing inside projects... I just love the wide swings of Vermont seasons.

For me, one of the big attractions of skiing is being outdoors in the winter, when we are more apt to stay inside. I love being outside no matter what the weather or season. Actually, I love being outside in severe weather. I have been known to go outside during a tornado and again during a blizzard, partly because I hated being couped up, but also just "to experience it." Call me dumb, but I've some great stories to tell....

[cbcbd]

I think the biggest misconception is the cold thing. I don't like being cold, but I run so hot that it's much easier to regulate my temp with winter sports so that I'm comfortable. But for the average couch-potato-Joe, its hard to grasp the concept that when you exercise you generate your own heat.

But the rest are true. Its an expensive sport with a high initial investment required. And then you have a family and your skiing stops or you spend everything X3 or X4 just to get on the hill. Don't anyone here fool themselves that they're in dire straits when they can spend most of the day sitting in front of a computer talking about their hobby... and then also have the extra cash to pick up a summer hobby (biking, golfing...)

Originally Posted by billski

For me, one of the big attractions of skiing is being outdoors in the winter, when we are more apt to stay inside. I love being outside no matter what the weather or season. Actually, I love being outside in severe weather.

Ditto. I love doing stuff outside in adverse weather. One of my greatest moments this winter - being 10' up an ice climb in Katahdin while my face was being showered with ice pellets.
Love running in the snow after a blizzard.
Actually... for skiing, yeah, I dig the winter weather, but as long as the conditions provide some good snow.

[GrilledSteezeSandwich]

Originally Posted by Ski Diva

Back to topic:

I have a friend who actually believes that skiing takes no effort or skill, because, in her words, "it's just gravity."

For straight running groomers I agree but in crud, powder, slush, mush, applesauce, sweet and low..bumps..humps..jumps..death cookies..and other conditions it takes skill..

[GrilledSteezeSandwich]

Originally Posted by snowmonster

That all skiers are tall, skinny and blonde.

...then there are hobbits like me.=)

Being a 210 pound dark haired dude..I'm not in the stereotype..lol..and my name isn't Sven..lol

[GrilledSteezeSandwich]

Originally Posted by highpeaksdrifter

I wonder what the median age is?

I have to admit I believe that a lot of people who skied when they where young stop for various reasons as they get older.

I bet the median age is around 35-40...Alot of people I skied with in High School and college gave it up because they had college loans, mortgage, marriage, kids..lots of expenses..and some will probably get back into it when they get older..For me I could never go a season without skiing..never..

[GrilledSteezeSandwich]

Originally Posted by noski

I have always been amazed that one would have so much love and dedication to the sport that they would drive weekend after weekend from the Metro areas in often-horrible conditions to come here to ski. That level of dedication is mind-boggling to me. But thank you. You pay my salary.

Us skiers are a dedicated bunch..I don't even like to drive to Kohls to buy clothes but I'll drive 7 hours to Stowe for a long weekend..I rent an apartment..lease my car...but I spent more than $5,000 on skiing this past season and have 5 pairs of skis and I'm getting two more pairs in the fall..